Trip to Princeton, Wishlist Items & Finally Saw Club Monaco!

I took a trip to Princeton, NJ yesterday in the sweltering heat – at one point it was 97 degrees! I had a chance to meet my friend who works at the University, let my kids splash around in a fountain on campus, get sunburn and finally take cover indoors for some shopping. However, since I have already spent my budget for the month and nothing was a super bargain, I didn’t end up buying anything although I did add a couple of these items to my wishlist and will be stalking for a sale. Here’s a link to the whole album: http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....Princeton/

This is what I wore for the day – of course this was taken around 8pm and I’m lucky the lighting was so poor because I was a crumpled, sweaty mess by the end of the day: Gap white summer weight cardigan, ON tank, ON denim pencil skirt, Merrell sandals – a comfy, chasing kids outfit:

http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....nt=wiw.jpg

I found a couple of items at Anthropologie that I love including this pale pink top:

http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....o_top1.jpg

I am not sure if it is the best color for me but the I liked the detailing and it cinched me in at the perfect spot.

I also fell madly in love with this jersey dress and I will definitely watching it to go on sale – it is currently $158! I’ve decided to return my BR black and white dot dress in favor of this one since it it more casual and will fit my lifestyle better. Obviously, I won’t wear it with a white cardigan – the dress itself is more of a cream & black print. Oh and it has pockets!!! Did I mention that I love it???

http://s374.photobucket.com/al....._dress.jpg

I was complaining about the lack of petites sizing when the sales person bought me this dress to try. Ummm, yeah, not going to wear dresses this short . I guess it would work with leggings but it’s really not my kind of look...

http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....dress2.jpg

I also hit the gap where there was an extra 25% off sale going on. This was also my first time trying on skinny jeans in awhile and while I thought they looked O.K., the rise was way too low for me (major muffin top). I am still wondering if this is giving me an ice-cream cone effect (remember, unlike most women, I am bigger on the top with broad shoulders, big arms etc). For a comparison, I tried the essential jeans because I have heard people raving about them – they made me look short & squat (although they were super comfy & had a high rise):

Skinny Jean: http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....yjeans.jpg

Essential Jean: http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....ljeans.jpg

I really liked this Gap top – this is what it looked like folded to the proper skirt length:
http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....aptop1.jpg

Here is the actual length! It looks like a maternity top on me – and I look pregnant to boot! Sadly, it is not available in petites:

http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....aptop2.jpg

I also tried on a GAP trench which I thought was O.K.. Honestly, I have never found a trench I have really liked very much and although the color was good, it has weird 3/4 sleeves which did not seem the most practical:

http://s374.photobucket.com/al.....G_2153.jpg

I stopped into the Menlo Park mall in Edison and finally had a chance to check out a Club Monaco B&M store. Now I really understand why it is one of Angie’s faves – the store had Angie written all over it – a mostly neutral color palette, especially black & white, polka dots & microchecks galore!

17 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Shana I love that Anthropologie dress on you. I really hope it goes on sale, but Anthro is not very generous with sales, and doesn't even give out promo codes. If you can find a way to get it full price, I would dive in before it sells out, but I am completely sympathetic to budget issues. Sometimes if there is one thing I really want, I'll return 10 other things I bought or try to sell them or SOMETHING to get that one perfect item (my YLF convention moto jacket comes to mind). The Anthropologie top is also pretty.

I also really like the mini dress, though not as a dress. I would actually love something like that over leggings myself. I think it would look good on you with leggings or skinnies but if it's not your style then of course don't bother.

The gap shirt is perfect for you. Is it available in petites online? Love the color on you.

I agree with you on the trench. It doesn't look like it has any shape to it. I love non-belted trenches but they need to either be deliberately trapeze or have some darts or something. This one is treading a strange in-between area that just isn't flattering. The color is great though.

Well I'm sorry I missed you this time, but if you're ever in the northern part of the state, do get in touch and we'll head out to that swanky mall, even if we can't buy anything

Anonymous

Very nice choices. You look perfect in the cream and white dress.

marianne

Active Member

Hi Shana, I can't believe your kids were so cooperative while you were trying things on! Mine would be falling apart 10 minutes into the excursion. That's why I never take them shopping (except for groceries) and hence I don't go myself. Anyway, I really like your outfit, very fresh and summery. And I love the Anthro dress - I hope you'll be able to get it on sale. Like Maya, I also kind of like the mini dress... do you think it could be worn with clams? I actually like both jeans on you, especially the skinnies. Is the rise a real show-stopper? Pink Anthro top looks great, too. Glad to hear you had a good time!

shana

Maya,I know - I hate that Anthro doesn't do sales or discounts! I have heard that they are sending out birthday discount cards (15%) to people - maybe I need to go in & sign up for their list. The thing is that I'm cheap too - I hate paying full price for anything. But I really do love the dress...Hmmm, maybe it will be my birthday present!

San, TY! I FEEL perfect in that dress.

Marianne, haha - my kids are really not that cooperative. I WISH I could shop without them but that never seems to happen. My husband is with them so much because of my classes and other activities so he doesn't want to "babysit" them to let me go out shopping. Ugh, I hate when men use that term when looking after their own children! Anyway, I think part of it is also that he doesn't think I will spend as much (rightfully so) when I have the kids with me. I used to really enjoy shopping but it really is a pain these days - I will admit to some bribery and I usually bring some kind of toy or game to keep them amused while I try on stuff.

The "mini" dress would probably work well with clams & leggings - it's just not me. I've already done the dress with leggings last time the look was in fashion & it feels too juvenile on me this time around.

You know, I do kind of like the skinnies - I have been shying away from them but looking at the pictures, they are growing on me. The rise is way too low on these though - it literally pushes my baby gut up and out! I'd have to find a pair that fit this well WITH a high rise. Seems like an herculean task....

I got one of those birthday things from Anthro. But you better use it right away. I found out the hard way that it expires at the end of the month. Is your birthday in May?

Lots of brands make high rise skinnies. Check out Urban Outfitters to start. The trick is finding them at a good price point.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shana! By all means get skinnies that are comfy (I know that the rise issue is a tall order). They look so good with your thong sandals. (I adore that look).

I love you in optical white! It might be your best colour because it's magical against your skin tone. And that turquoise outfit combo is wonderful. You also look fab in shocking pink and you know how I love your bod in skirts and dresses. Quite the stylish Mum on the go :0)

yublocka

Shana I'm late here, but thought I'd try and join the others in convincing you to get that black & white dress. It is so lovely on you!!!!!

The yellow trench is fun, but just swims on you. You must be teeny-tiny!

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